Thua Thien-Hue (VNA) – The rain couldn't dampen the spirit of thousands of spectators who gathered for the grand opening night of the Hue International Arts Festival Week in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on June 7.
Held in front of the majestic Kien Trung Palace within the Hue Imperial Citadel, the ceremony marked the beginning of a week-long cultural celebration in the ancient imperial capital.
The highlight of the evening was a blend of heritage and modernity showcased through spectacular light and art performances.
Over 12 troupes from Vietnam and seven other countries brought the stage to life with diverse presentations, ranging from semi-realistic acts to traditional dances and music.
The opening ceremony unfolded in three distinct segments. The first, titled "Co Do Dieu Ky" (Magical Ancient Capital), showcased the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam. Performances like "Thanh Pho Di san Co Do Dieu Ky" (Heritage City - Magical Ancient Capital), "Son Thuy Huu Tinh" (Picturesque Mountains and Rivers), and "Giot Dan Xu Hue" (Melodies of Hue) transported the audience back in time, while "Nang Tho Xu Hue" (The Muse of Hue) offered a glimpse into the artistic soul of the city.
The second segment, "Huong Sac Hoi Tu" (Convergence of Colours), celebrated international exchange. Spectators were captivated by a Quan ho (love duet) performance from the Red River Delta, a traditional Chinese dance, the vibrant music of southern Vietnam, a Japanese Kobugakudan drum performance, and a captivating act by a European troupe from France.
The final segment, "Rang Ro Ngan Sau" (Eternal Brilliance), brought the ceremony to a close with a dynamic mix of contemporary and traditional elements. A rap performance titled "Food Tour Xu Hue" (Hue Food Tour) showcased the city's culinary delights, followed by a display of traditional long dresses in "Dang Lua Ao Dai" (Silk Elegance). The closing performance, "Thanh Pho Festival – Thanh Pho Tuong Lai" (Festival City - City of the Future), looked toward Hue's bright future, symbolising the city's transformation into a vibrant cultural hub.
Beyond its artistic merit, the festival plays a strategic role in propelling socioeconomic development, aiming to solidify Thua Thien-Hue's position as a prominent cultural and tourism destination in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The event aligns with the Politburo's Resolution 54-NQ/TW, which outlines a vision for building and developing Thua Thien-Hue province to 2045.
Accordingly, Thua Thien-Hue is set to become a centrally-governed city by 2025 that leverages its heritage values and cultural identity, characterised by a blend of rich culture, historical preservation, ecological awareness, stunning landscapes, and a commitment to environmental friendliness and smart city features.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Le Hoai Trung, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its Commission for External Relations, acknowledged the festival's remarkable growth over its 24 editions. He commended the festival showcases Vietnam's rich cultural heritage while also incorporating modern elements and the unique charm of Hue – a city imbued with romance, grace, and a deep respect for tradition.
Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Phuong said with 30 domestic and foreign troupes, the festival will blend seamlessly into the ancient space of the former capital which boasts eight UNESCO-recognised heritage sites.
Building on the past successes, this year's week will continue to highlight community engagement through open events, street festivals and community stages for international performances, he added.
Visitors can expect captivating street performances by international artists, dazzling light and lantern festivals, a celebration of Hue's culinary treasures, the Tam Giang Festival, and insightful exhibitions on Buddhism and antiques.
A novel approach introduced in 2023 sees the Hue Festival spanning all four seasons. This year promises a series of unique festivals, gradually building a new and exciting cultural calendar.
· Spring Festival - "Imperial Spring" (January to March): Witness royal Tet celebrations, traditional cultural spaces, and unique folk festivals.
· Summer Festival - "Capital Shines" (April to June): The highlight of this season is the Hue International Arts Festival Week 2024, aiming to solidify Hue's reputation as a distinctive festival city.
· Autumn Festival - "Hue in Autumn" (July to September): Immerse visitors in the Mid-Autumn Festival, featuring the Hue Lantern Festival 2024 with vibrant lantern displays and captivating street performances of unicorn, lion, and dragon dances.
· Winter Festival - "Winter in Hue" (October to December): Experience the Hue Music Week 2024, culminating in a grand countdown to usher in the New Year 2025./.
